×
College Football Playoff 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch in CFP quarterfinals

College Football Playoff 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch in CFP quarterfinals

Sports news , , ,

The 2025-26 College Football Playoff quarterfinals are finally here with quarterfinal matchups taking place in the Cotton, Orange, Rose, and Sugar Bowl’s. These games will take place just days before the final weekend of the NFL’s regular season and fans of eliminated teams can officially set their sights towards the 2026 NFL Draft.

We already went over some potential first-round prospects in round one a few weeks back and we’ll do the same for this slate of quarterfinal matchups taking place over the New Year’s holiday. We’ll use the big boards at both Tankathon and NFL Mock Draft Database for reference. Check out our latest 2026 NFL mock draft here.

No. 10 Miami vs. No. 2 Ohio State, 7:30 p.m. ET

Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (Top 5)

Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami (Top 5)

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (Top 10)

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (Top 10)

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Top 15)

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (Top 20)

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (Late First Round)

The New Year’s Eve matchup between Miami and Ohio State will be appointment viewing if you’re an NFL Draft nerd as there’s a chance that half of the top 10 could be taking the field at AT&T Stadium. The Buckeyes have multiple players who should hear their names called early and Arvell Reese is a prospect who could potentially go No. 1 overall. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has unleashed the 6’4”, 243-pound monster this season and he’s shot up draft boards by showing off his versatility, racking up 62 combined tackles, 10 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks to earn consensus All-American honors. Former Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon has recently compared him to both Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter as an off-ball linebacker that could make an immediate impact upon entry into the league.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 06: Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) rushes into the backfield during the Big 10 Championship game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Indiana Hoosiers on December 6, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Reese could be shortly followed by a pair of potential top-10 prospects in teammates Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate. Downs is a three-time All-American at safety and earned both the Thorpe Award and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors this season as the leader of a Buckeye secondary that shut opponents down. Tate will be the latest product out of the Ohio State wide receiver factory and while he was overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith, he was still a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist in his own right with 838 receiving yards and nine touchdowns for the year. Sonny Styles and Kayden McDonald round out OSU’s group of projected first rounders and with this amount of elite talent, you can see why they are currently ranked No. 1 in defensive SP+.

On the Miami side of things, Reuben Bain Jr. could contend with Reese as the top defensive player selected in April after a dominant season where he earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year. We’ve already seen him do damage in these playoffs as he recorded three sacks and a blocked field goal in their 10-3 first-round win over Texas A&M. Meanwhile on offense, Fraincis Mauigoa has a good combination of size and speed at offensive tackle and should be the second o-lineman taken off the board behind Utah’s Spencer Fano.

No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 4 Texas Tech, 12 p.m. ET

Dante Moore, QB, Oregon (Top 10)

David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech (Top 15)

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (Top 20)

Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon (Late First/Early Second)

A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon (Late First/Early Second)

Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon (Late First/Early Second)

Oregon buried James Madison as expected in the first round and a handful of their potential first-rounders didn’t even play that much as they were able to turn to their backups pretty early in the contest. Dante Moore did in fact play the whole game and he ended up accounting for 313 passing yards and five total touchdowns on the day with two interceptions being his lone blemishes. Some like The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner are currently projecting the Las Vegas Raiders to take him with the No. 1 overall pick and we’ll certainly be hearing his name a lot as draft season unfolds.

Texas Tech assembled one of the more disruptive defenses in the entire country this season and David Bailey has been a major force for a unit that led the entire nation in takeaways. The 6’3”, 250-pound edge rusher transferred in from Stanford this season and immediately began wrecking games for the Red Raiders, totaling 43 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles to earn Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year. Analysts like NFL Draft Buzz’s Lennox Tate have lauded Bailey’s explosiveness off the first step and his ability to even drop into coverage, but still feels that he needs to bulk up a bit more when entering the league. A pass-rush needy team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could land him in the 10-15 range, but there’s always room for him to rise.

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 06: Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive end David Bailey (#31) runs up field during the Big 12 Championship Game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and BYU Cougars on December 6, 2025 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 06: Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive end David Bailey (#31) runs up field during the Big 12 Championship Game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and BYU Cougars on December 6, 2025 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 1 Indiana, 4 p.m. ET

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (Top 5)

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (Top 20)

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (Late First Round)

The nation will get a look at the Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza on New Year’s Day as he leads Indiana into its first Rose Bowl appearance in 58 years. The QB arrived from Cal via the transfer portal last offseason and made his mark by leading the Hoosiers to a perfect 13-0 mark, racking up 2,980 passing yards, 240 rushing yards, and 39 total touchdowns for the year. The Heisman winner was the perfect conductor of Indiana’s offense and that bears out with him ranking in the top 10 in both EPA per dropback and success rate. He has both the poise and grit of an NFL quarterback and has good size at 6’5”, 225 pounds. Like the aforementioned Dante Moore, his name has been bandied about as the potential No. 1 overall pick and he could very well be the most talked about commodity during draft season.

Meanwhile, Alabama will be putting two potential first rounders on the field in Ty Simpson and Kadyn Proctor. We saw both men help lead the Crimson Tide to a 34-24 road win over Oklahoma in the first round, with Simpson throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Alabama will be getting offensive tackle LT Overton back after missing the first round with an illness. Overton is projected as an early second round prospect, but can always boost his stock over the next three months.

No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 3 Georgia, 8 p.m. ET

C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (Late First Round)

It feels strange to see a lack of first-rounders in a game involving Georgia and C.J. Allen will be the only projected Night 1 selection to be showcased in the Sugar Bowl. The 6’1”, 235-pound linebacker earned consensus All-American status this year with a strong campaign where he tallied 85 combined tackles, eight TFLs, four passes defended, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a partridge in a pear tree. Analysts have praised traits of his like closing speed and tackling technique and some even identified him a draft sleeper before the start of the season. If you’re a fan of one of the current Super Bowl contenders in the NFL, you could be landing Allen’s services at the end of the first rounf.

Source link
#College #Football #Playoff #NFL #Draft #prospects #watch #CFP #quarterfinals

Tag

Related Posts

Gujarat Titans batting coach Matthew Hayden credited his side’s consistency-driven approach and potent bowling attack after their comprehensive 77-run win over Rajasthan Royals, while Royals bowling coach Shane Bond admitted his side lacked sharpness in a crucial stage of the tournament.

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan returned to top form with a four-wicket haul after skipper Shubman Gill struck a sublime 84 to propel Gujarat Titans to 229 for four before bundling Rajasthan out for 152 in 16.3 overs here on Saturday.

The victory, Gujarat’s fourth on the trot, took it to 14 points alongside table-topper Sunrisers Hyderabad and strengthened its playoff chances.

Hayden said Gujarat’s success this season stemmed from clarity in roles rather than relying on flamboyance.

“We’ve constructed a line-up that revolves around consistency. It’s not exactly going to set the world on fire with star power. It’s more about staying in the game and being consistent in the game,” Hayden said at the post-match press conference.

ALSO READ | Chennai Super Kings’ Playoffs push faces Lucknow hurdle

Gill and Sai Sudharsan laid the platform with a commanding 118-run opening stand, while Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia provided the finishing touches in the death overs.

Hayden described Gujarat’s pace battery, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, as the backbone of the side.

“Velocity matters. There’s no chance 150-plus bowling is easy to play. The best sides in this tournament are built around defensive bowling units and we’ve got that covered nicely,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals bowling coach Shane Bond admitted his side lacked sharpness after a long break between matches. “We just weren’t at our best tonight,” Bond said at the post-match press conference.

“I think after seven or eight days off, you can come back a little off the pace and it certainly looked like that tonight. We just weren’t quite as sharp as what we needed to be.”

The defeat dented Rajasthan’s playoff hopes despite the side remaining in contention with three league matches left.

Bond said Rajasthan had been competitive through most of the season but admitted they had failed to capitalise on key moments.

“We were 6-4 coming into this game and with perhaps some better fielding we would have won a couple more. We’re good enough to win three games in a row and still make the playoffs, but we have to play better than we did tonight,” he said.

Published on May 10, 2026

#VIDEO #Hayden #lauds #GTs #consistency #Rashid #magic #sinks">VIDEO | Hayden lauds GT’s ‘consistency’ as Rashid magic sinks RR Gujarat Titans batting coach Matthew Hayden credited his side’s consistency-driven approach and potent bowling attack after their comprehensive 77-run win over Rajasthan Royals, while Royals bowling coach Shane Bond admitted his side lacked sharpness in a crucial stage of the tournament.Leg-spinner Rashid Khan returned to top form with a four-wicket haul after skipper Shubman Gill struck a sublime 84 to propel Gujarat Titans to 229 for four before bundling Rajasthan out for 152 in 16.3 overs here on Saturday.The victory, Gujarat’s fourth on the trot, took it to 14 points alongside table-topper Sunrisers Hyderabad and strengthened its playoff chances.Hayden said Gujarat’s success this season stemmed from clarity in roles rather than relying on flamboyance.“We’ve constructed a line-up that revolves around consistency. It’s not exactly going to set the world on fire with star power. It’s more about staying in the game and being consistent in the game,” Hayden said at the post-match press conference.ALSO READ | Chennai Super Kings’ Playoffs push faces Lucknow hurdleGill and Sai Sudharsan laid the platform with a commanding 118-run opening stand, while Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia provided the finishing touches in the death overs.Hayden described Gujarat’s pace battery, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, as the backbone of the side.“Velocity matters. There’s no chance 150-plus bowling is easy to play. The best sides in this tournament are built around defensive bowling units and we’ve got that covered nicely,” he said.Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals bowling coach Shane Bond admitted his side lacked sharpness after a long break between matches. “We just weren’t at our best tonight,” Bond said at the post-match press conference.“I think after seven or eight days off, you can come back a little off the pace and it certainly looked like that tonight. We just weren’t quite as sharp as what we needed to be.”The defeat dented Rajasthan’s playoff hopes despite the side remaining in contention with three league matches left.Bond said Rajasthan had been competitive through most of the season but admitted they had failed to capitalise on key moments.“We were 6-4 coming into this game and with perhaps some better fielding we would have won a couple more. We’re good enough to win three games in a row and still make the playoffs, but we have to play better than we did tonight,” he said.Published on May 10, 2026 #VIDEO #Hayden #lauds #GTs #consistency #Rashid #magic #sinks

comprehensive 77-run win over Rajasthan Royals, while Royals bowling coach Shane Bond admitted his side lacked sharpness in a crucial stage of the tournament.

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan returned to top form with a four-wicket haul after skipper Shubman Gill struck a sublime 84 to propel Gujarat Titans to 229 for four before bundling Rajasthan out for 152 in 16.3 overs here on Saturday.

The victory, Gujarat’s fourth on the trot, took it to 14 points alongside table-topper Sunrisers Hyderabad and strengthened its playoff chances.

Hayden said Gujarat’s success this season stemmed from clarity in roles rather than relying on flamboyance.

“We’ve constructed a line-up that revolves around consistency. It’s not exactly going to set the world on fire with star power. It’s more about staying in the game and being consistent in the game,” Hayden said at the post-match press conference.

ALSO READ | Chennai Super Kings’ Playoffs push faces Lucknow hurdle

Gill and Sai Sudharsan laid the platform with a commanding 118-run opening stand, while Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia provided the finishing touches in the death overs.

Hayden described Gujarat’s pace battery, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, as the backbone of the side.

“Velocity matters. There’s no chance 150-plus bowling is easy to play. The best sides in this tournament are built around defensive bowling units and we’ve got that covered nicely,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals bowling coach Shane Bond admitted his side lacked sharpness after a long break between matches. “We just weren’t at our best tonight,” Bond said at the post-match press conference.

“I think after seven or eight days off, you can come back a little off the pace and it certainly looked like that tonight. We just weren’t quite as sharp as what we needed to be.”

The defeat dented Rajasthan’s playoff hopes despite the side remaining in contention with three league matches left.

Bond said Rajasthan had been competitive through most of the season but admitted they had failed to capitalise on key moments.

“We were 6-4 coming into this game and with perhaps some better fielding we would have won a couple more. We’re good enough to win three games in a row and still make the playoffs, but we have to play better than we did tonight,” he said.

Published on May 10, 2026

#VIDEO #Hayden #lauds #GTs #consistency #Rashid #magic #sinks">VIDEO | Hayden lauds GT’s ‘consistency’ as Rashid magic sinks RR

Gujarat Titans batting coach Matthew Hayden credited his side’s consistency-driven approach and potent bowling attack after their comprehensive 77-run win over Rajasthan Royals, while Royals bowling coach Shane Bond admitted his side lacked sharpness in a crucial stage of the tournament.

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan returned to top form with a four-wicket haul after skipper Shubman Gill struck a sublime 84 to propel Gujarat Titans to 229 for four before bundling Rajasthan out for 152 in 16.3 overs here on Saturday.

The victory, Gujarat’s fourth on the trot, took it to 14 points alongside table-topper Sunrisers Hyderabad and strengthened its playoff chances.

Hayden said Gujarat’s success this season stemmed from clarity in roles rather than relying on flamboyance.

“We’ve constructed a line-up that revolves around consistency. It’s not exactly going to set the world on fire with star power. It’s more about staying in the game and being consistent in the game,” Hayden said at the post-match press conference.

ALSO READ | Chennai Super Kings’ Playoffs push faces Lucknow hurdle

Gill and Sai Sudharsan laid the platform with a commanding 118-run opening stand, while Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia provided the finishing touches in the death overs.

Hayden described Gujarat’s pace battery, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, as the backbone of the side.

“Velocity matters. There’s no chance 150-plus bowling is easy to play. The best sides in this tournament are built around defensive bowling units and we’ve got that covered nicely,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals bowling coach Shane Bond admitted his side lacked sharpness after a long break between matches. “We just weren’t at our best tonight,” Bond said at the post-match press conference.

“I think after seven or eight days off, you can come back a little off the pace and it certainly looked like that tonight. We just weren’t quite as sharp as what we needed to be.”

The defeat dented Rajasthan’s playoff hopes despite the side remaining in contention with three league matches left.

Bond said Rajasthan had been competitive through most of the season but admitted they had failed to capitalise on key moments.

“We were 6-4 coming into this game and with perhaps some better fielding we would have won a couple more. We’re good enough to win three games in a row and still make the playoffs, but we have to play better than we did tonight,” he said.

Published on May 10, 2026

#VIDEO #Hayden #lauds #GTs #consistency #Rashid #magic #sinks
Deadspin | Ducks look to regroup against Golden Knights in Game 4 May 8, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Cole Smith (22) hits Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson (14) while playing for the puck during the third period in game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Anaheim Ducks were taught big lessons last outing. Now the Ducks must show how quickly they can put them to good use when they host the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday for Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series. The Golden Knights claimed a thorough 6-2 victory on Friday to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The game was an example of a veteran squad showing its savvy and elevating its play against a young squad. “We’re still learning, still got things like that we’ve got to be better at doing because we know they’re going to respond,” Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe said. “They’re an experienced team. … Win or lose, we have to play our best game the next game.” Anaheim controlled the tempo of the first two games with its team speed. On Friday, though, the Golden Knights opened the scoring just over a minute into the clash, doubled the lead midway through the opening frame with a short-handed marker and never relinquished control. “It wasn’t a great start,” Anaheim forward Alex Killorn said. “They score in the first five minutes and then they get a PK goal. … It’s tough to win a game when you put yourself in spots like that.” Another issue for the Ducks is their flickering power play. After a 50 percent success rate against Edmonton (8-for-16) in the opening round, the Ducks have been blanked on their 11 chances against Vegas. That is just part of finding their form. “They played well, but I don’t think we brought our best,” Killorn said. “They’re a great team, we just have to have a little bit of a better start and effort throughout the game.” Coach Joel Quenneville said on Saturday that goalie Lukas Dostal will open in net. Dostal, who has started every game this postseason, was pulled after the first period in Game 3. The Golden Knights definitely took their game to another level, but they’re well aware how easily momentum could be regained by the Ducks. The onus will be on Vegas not to be complacent. “Not all problems are solved because you win a game,” said Golden Knights coach John Tortorella. “You’ve got to keep on trying to get better. I just thought we entered the series (Friday) playing our game a little bit more than we have, but we’re going to have to keep improving.” Tortorella had no update on Saturday regarding the status of captain Mark Stone, who left Friday’s game near the end of the first period. “I’m not going to give you any updates on injuries, so you might as well stop asking that question,” Tortorella said. Fortunately for Vegas, Mitch Marner delivered his first career playoff hat trick which put him atop the league’s postseason scoring list with 13 points (six goals, seven assists). “I try to always be an energizer guy, a guy that goes out there and brings a lot of passion and energy to games,” Marner said. “Obviously, I always want the puck on my tape. I want to try to make the plays.” With or without Stone, the Golden Knights could still use more contributors. For example, Tomas Hertl has not scored a goal in 29 games. He last lit the lamp on March 4 for his 24th of the year. “There’s some areas that we still need to be more consistent at,” Tortorella said. “There’s a few players we’re hoping get going also. … We know it’s Game 4, and as the series ratchets up into these later games, the momentum swings, and it’s more desperate hockey. So, we’re just going to get ready to play and try to play the right way.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ducks #regroup #Golden #Knights #GameMay 8, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Cole Smith (22) hits Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson (14) while playing for the puck during the third period in game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Anaheim Ducks were taught big lessons last outing.

Now the Ducks must show how quickly they can put them to good use when they host the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday for Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

The Golden Knights claimed a thorough 6-2 victory on Friday to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The game was an example of a veteran squad showing its savvy and elevating its play against a young squad.

“We’re still learning, still got things like that we’ve got to be better at doing because we know they’re going to respond,” Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe said. “They’re an experienced team. … Win or lose, we have to play our best game the next game.”

Anaheim controlled the tempo of the first two games with its team speed. On Friday, though, the Golden Knights opened the scoring just over a minute into the clash, doubled the lead midway through the opening frame with a short-handed marker and never relinquished control.

“It wasn’t a great start,” Anaheim forward Alex Killorn said. “They score in the first five minutes and then they get a PK goal. … It’s tough to win a game when you put yourself in spots like that.”

Another issue for the Ducks is their flickering power play. After a 50 percent success rate against Edmonton (8-for-16) in the opening round, the Ducks have been blanked on their 11 chances against Vegas.

That is just part of finding their form.

“They played well, but I don’t think we brought our best,” Killorn said. “They’re a great team, we just have to have a little bit of a better start and effort throughout the game.”


Coach Joel Quenneville said on Saturday that goalie Lukas Dostal will open in net. Dostal, who has started every game this postseason, was pulled after the first period in Game 3.

The Golden Knights definitely took their game to another level, but they’re well aware how easily momentum could be regained by the Ducks.

The onus will be on Vegas not to be complacent.

“Not all problems are solved because you win a game,” said Golden Knights coach John Tortorella. “You’ve got to keep on trying to get better. I just thought we entered the series (Friday) playing our game a little bit more than we have, but we’re going to have to keep improving.”

Tortorella had no update on Saturday regarding the status of captain Mark Stone, who left Friday’s game near the end of the first period.

“I’m not going to give you any updates on injuries, so you might as well stop asking that question,” Tortorella said.

Fortunately for Vegas, Mitch Marner delivered his first career playoff hat trick which put him atop the league’s postseason scoring list with 13 points (six goals, seven assists).

“I try to always be an energizer guy, a guy that goes out there and brings a lot of passion and energy to games,” Marner said. “Obviously, I always want the puck on my tape. I want to try to make the plays.”

With or without Stone, the Golden Knights could still use more contributors. For example, Tomas Hertl has not scored a goal in 29 games. He last lit the lamp on March 4 for his 24th of the year.

“There’s some areas that we still need to be more consistent at,” Tortorella said. “There’s a few players we’re hoping get going also. … We know it’s Game 4, and as the series ratchets up into these later games, the momentum swings, and it’s more desperate hockey. So, we’re just going to get ready to play and try to play the right way.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ducks #regroup #Golden #Knights #Game">Deadspin | Ducks look to regroup against Golden Knights in Game 4 May 8, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Cole Smith (22) hits Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson (14) while playing for the puck during the third period in game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Anaheim Ducks were taught big lessons last outing. Now the Ducks must show how quickly they can put them to good use when they host the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday for Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series. The Golden Knights claimed a thorough 6-2 victory on Friday to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The game was an example of a veteran squad showing its savvy and elevating its play against a young squad. “We’re still learning, still got things like that we’ve got to be better at doing because we know they’re going to respond,” Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe said. “They’re an experienced team. … Win or lose, we have to play our best game the next game.” Anaheim controlled the tempo of the first two games with its team speed. On Friday, though, the Golden Knights opened the scoring just over a minute into the clash, doubled the lead midway through the opening frame with a short-handed marker and never relinquished control. “It wasn’t a great start,” Anaheim forward Alex Killorn said. “They score in the first five minutes and then they get a PK goal. … It’s tough to win a game when you put yourself in spots like that.” Another issue for the Ducks is their flickering power play. After a 50 percent success rate against Edmonton (8-for-16) in the opening round, the Ducks have been blanked on their 11 chances against Vegas. That is just part of finding their form. “They played well, but I don’t think we brought our best,” Killorn said. “They’re a great team, we just have to have a little bit of a better start and effort throughout the game.” Coach Joel Quenneville said on Saturday that goalie Lukas Dostal will open in net. Dostal, who has started every game this postseason, was pulled after the first period in Game 3. The Golden Knights definitely took their game to another level, but they’re well aware how easily momentum could be regained by the Ducks. The onus will be on Vegas not to be complacent. “Not all problems are solved because you win a game,” said Golden Knights coach John Tortorella. “You’ve got to keep on trying to get better. I just thought we entered the series (Friday) playing our game a little bit more than we have, but we’re going to have to keep improving.” Tortorella had no update on Saturday regarding the status of captain Mark Stone, who left Friday’s game near the end of the first period. “I’m not going to give you any updates on injuries, so you might as well stop asking that question,” Tortorella said. Fortunately for Vegas, Mitch Marner delivered his first career playoff hat trick which put him atop the league’s postseason scoring list with 13 points (six goals, seven assists). “I try to always be an energizer guy, a guy that goes out there and brings a lot of passion and energy to games,” Marner said. “Obviously, I always want the puck on my tape. I want to try to make the plays.” With or without Stone, the Golden Knights could still use more contributors. For example, Tomas Hertl has not scored a goal in 29 games. He last lit the lamp on March 4 for his 24th of the year. “There’s some areas that we still need to be more consistent at,” Tortorella said. “There’s a few players we’re hoping get going also. … We know it’s Game 4, and as the series ratchets up into these later games, the momentum swings, and it’s more desperate hockey. So, we’re just going to get ready to play and try to play the right way.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ducks #regroup #Golden #Knights #Game

We’re less than 24 hours into the WNBA season, and only 6 of the league’s 15 teams have made their season debuts. Still, let’s take a look at some way-too-early winners and losers from the first couple of games of the 2025-2026 WNBA season.

Winner: Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics

Sonia Citron had a spectacular rookie season, and she started her sophomore year right where she left off. Citron was dominant in the Mystics’ 68-65 win over the Toronto Tempo on Friday night, posting a game-high 26 points on 9-12 FG and 3-6 from three. She also racked up 2 steals and 2 blocks, continuing to show signs of being one of the WNBA’s elite two-way guards.

Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson praised Citron’s performance.

“Her normal is a lot of other people’s great,” he said.

Winner: Kaitlyn Chen, Golden State Valkyries

Kaitlyn Chen was a third-round draft pick in 2025 and was cut by the Valkyries in the middle of her rookie season. But she had a tremendous offseason, made Golden State’s opening night roster, and looked tremendous in the season debut, tallying 14 points on 5-10 shooting, 2 assists, and 0 turnovers off the bench in a 91-80 win over the Seattle Storm.

After the game, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase credited Chen for her offseason work.

“She’s been working,” Nakase said. “That’s credit to her in the offseason, right? Just putting in extra time. She came, you know, to the bay for a couple of weeks too, to work on her game after she went overseas.”

“Just her ability to score on all three levels, that’s basically what she did. And I mean, you saw her playing AU. She just took over the games. It was really nice to kind of see that carry over.”

Loser: The 2026 rookie class

It’s extremely early, but the 2026 WNBA draftees look like they’re going to need a little bit more time. So far, only one rookie has scored double-digit points: Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, who tallied 12 points on 25% shooting in Friday night’s loss to the Golden State Valkyries.

No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd came off the bench for the Dallas Wings and scored 3 points on 1-2 shooting in 18 minutes. No. 2 pick Awa Fam is still overseas, and No. 4 pick Lauren Betts went scoreless in her Mystics debut.

It’s early, and the rookies made their impact in other ways, but the first 24 hours of the WNBA season did not do anything to dispel the notion that the 2026 draft class is mostly filled with future role players.

Loser: The Connecticut Sun

The Sun were absolutely crushed by the New York Liberty on opening night. They led 36-13 after the first quarter, and never let go of the rope, ultimately winning 106-75. The Liberty are one of the WNBA’s most loaded teams, and the Sun are in the midst of a rebuild, but it was not the start to the season that Connecticut was hoping for.

Only three players scored in double-figures: Diamond Miller (16 points), Aneesah Morrow (15 points), and Brittney Griner (13 points). As a collective, Connecticut shot 39% from the field, 18% from three, and 47% from the three-point line.

Facing the Liberty on opening night is a tough way to start, and the Sun were without Leila Lacan, who was one of their best players last season. Still, it was not an optimal start to their last-ever season in Connecticut.

#winners #losers #WNBA #opening #weekend">2 winners, 2 losers from WNBA opening weekend (so far) We’re less than 24 hours into the WNBA season, and only 6 of the league’s 15 teams have made their season debuts. Still, let’s take a look at some way-too-early winners and losers from the first couple of games of the 2025-2026 WNBA season.Winner: Sonia Citron, Washington MysticsSonia Citron had a spectacular rookie season, and she started her sophomore year right where she left off. Citron was dominant in the Mystics’ 68-65 win over the Toronto Tempo on Friday night, posting a game-high 26 points on 9-12 FG and 3-6 from three. She also racked up 2 steals and 2 blocks, continuing to show signs of being one of the WNBA’s elite two-way guards.Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson praised Citron’s performance.“Her normal is a lot of other people’s great,” he said. Winner: Kaitlyn Chen, Golden State ValkyriesKaitlyn Chen was a third-round draft pick in 2025 and was cut by the Valkyries in the middle of her rookie season. But she had a tremendous offseason, made Golden State’s opening night roster, and looked tremendous in the season debut, tallying 14 points on 5-10 shooting, 2 assists, and 0 turnovers off the bench in a 91-80 win over the Seattle Storm.After the game, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase credited Chen for her offseason work.“She’s been working,” Nakase said. “That’s credit to her in the offseason, right? Just putting in extra time. She came, you know, to the bay for a couple of weeks too, to work on her game after she went overseas.”“Just her ability to score on all three levels, that’s basically what she did. And I mean, you saw her playing AU. She just took over the games. It was really nice to kind of see that carry over.”Loser: The 2026 rookie classIt’s extremely early, but the 2026 WNBA draftees look like they’re going to need a little bit more time. So far, only one rookie has scored double-digit points: Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, who tallied 12 points on 25% shooting in Friday night’s loss to the Golden State Valkyries.No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd came off the bench for the Dallas Wings and scored 3 points on 1-2 shooting in 18 minutes. No. 2 pick Awa Fam is still overseas, and No. 4 pick Lauren Betts went scoreless in her Mystics debut.It’s early, and the rookies made their impact in other ways, but the first 24 hours of the WNBA season did not do anything to dispel the notion that the 2026 draft class is mostly filled with future role players.Loser: The Connecticut SunThe Sun were absolutely crushed by the New York Liberty on opening night. They led 36-13 after the first quarter, and never let go of the rope, ultimately winning 106-75. The Liberty are one of the WNBA’s most loaded teams, and the Sun are in the midst of a rebuild, but it was not the start to the season that Connecticut was hoping for.Only three players scored in double-figures: Diamond Miller (16 points), Aneesah Morrow (15 points), and Brittney Griner (13 points). As a collective, Connecticut shot 39% from the field, 18% from three, and 47% from the three-point line.Facing the Liberty on opening night is a tough way to start, and the Sun were without Leila Lacan, who was one of their best players last season. Still, it was not an optimal start to their last-ever season in Connecticut. #winners #losers #WNBA #opening #weekend

Winner: Kaitlyn Chen, Golden State Valkyries

Kaitlyn Chen was a third-round draft pick in 2025 and was cut by the Valkyries in the middle of her rookie season. But she had a tremendous offseason, made Golden State’s opening night roster, and looked tremendous in the season debut, tallying 14 points on 5-10 shooting, 2 assists, and 0 turnovers off the bench in a 91-80 win over the Seattle Storm.

After the game, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase credited Chen for her offseason work.

“She’s been working,” Nakase said. “That’s credit to her in the offseason, right? Just putting in extra time. She came, you know, to the bay for a couple of weeks too, to work on her game after she went overseas.”

“Just her ability to score on all three levels, that’s basically what she did. And I mean, you saw her playing AU. She just took over the games. It was really nice to kind of see that carry over.”

Loser: The 2026 rookie class

It’s extremely early, but the 2026 WNBA draftees look like they’re going to need a little bit more time. So far, only one rookie has scored double-digit points: Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, who tallied 12 points on 25% shooting in Friday night’s loss to the Golden State Valkyries.

No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd came off the bench for the Dallas Wings and scored 3 points on 1-2 shooting in 18 minutes. No. 2 pick Awa Fam is still overseas, and No. 4 pick Lauren Betts went scoreless in her Mystics debut.

It’s early, and the rookies made their impact in other ways, but the first 24 hours of the WNBA season did not do anything to dispel the notion that the 2026 draft class is mostly filled with future role players.

Loser: The Connecticut Sun

The Sun were absolutely crushed by the New York Liberty on opening night. They led 36-13 after the first quarter, and never let go of the rope, ultimately winning 106-75. The Liberty are one of the WNBA’s most loaded teams, and the Sun are in the midst of a rebuild, but it was not the start to the season that Connecticut was hoping for.

Only three players scored in double-figures: Diamond Miller (16 points), Aneesah Morrow (15 points), and Brittney Griner (13 points). As a collective, Connecticut shot 39% from the field, 18% from three, and 47% from the three-point line.

Facing the Liberty on opening night is a tough way to start, and the Sun were without Leila Lacan, who was one of their best players last season. Still, it was not an optimal start to their last-ever season in Connecticut.

#winners #losers #WNBA #opening #weekend">2 winners, 2 losers from WNBA opening weekend (so far)

We’re less than 24 hours into the WNBA season, and only 6 of the league’s 15 teams have made their season debuts. Still, let’s take a look at some way-too-early winners and losers from the first couple of games of the 2025-2026 WNBA season.

Winner: Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics

Sonia Citron had a spectacular rookie season, and she started her sophomore year right where she left off. Citron was dominant in the Mystics’ 68-65 win over the Toronto Tempo on Friday night, posting a game-high 26 points on 9-12 FG and 3-6 from three. She also racked up 2 steals and 2 blocks, continuing to show signs of being one of the WNBA’s elite two-way guards.

Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson praised Citron’s performance.

“Her normal is a lot of other people’s great,” he said.

Winner: Kaitlyn Chen, Golden State Valkyries

Kaitlyn Chen was a third-round draft pick in 2025 and was cut by the Valkyries in the middle of her rookie season. But she had a tremendous offseason, made Golden State’s opening night roster, and looked tremendous in the season debut, tallying 14 points on 5-10 shooting, 2 assists, and 0 turnovers off the bench in a 91-80 win over the Seattle Storm.

After the game, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase credited Chen for her offseason work.

“She’s been working,” Nakase said. “That’s credit to her in the offseason, right? Just putting in extra time. She came, you know, to the bay for a couple of weeks too, to work on her game after she went overseas.”

“Just her ability to score on all three levels, that’s basically what she did. And I mean, you saw her playing AU. She just took over the games. It was really nice to kind of see that carry over.”

Loser: The 2026 rookie class

It’s extremely early, but the 2026 WNBA draftees look like they’re going to need a little bit more time. So far, only one rookie has scored double-digit points: Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, who tallied 12 points on 25% shooting in Friday night’s loss to the Golden State Valkyries.

No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd came off the bench for the Dallas Wings and scored 3 points on 1-2 shooting in 18 minutes. No. 2 pick Awa Fam is still overseas, and No. 4 pick Lauren Betts went scoreless in her Mystics debut.

It’s early, and the rookies made their impact in other ways, but the first 24 hours of the WNBA season did not do anything to dispel the notion that the 2026 draft class is mostly filled with future role players.

Loser: The Connecticut Sun

The Sun were absolutely crushed by the New York Liberty on opening night. They led 36-13 after the first quarter, and never let go of the rope, ultimately winning 106-75. The Liberty are one of the WNBA’s most loaded teams, and the Sun are in the midst of a rebuild, but it was not the start to the season that Connecticut was hoping for.

Only three players scored in double-figures: Diamond Miller (16 points), Aneesah Morrow (15 points), and Brittney Griner (13 points). As a collective, Connecticut shot 39% from the field, 18% from three, and 47% from the three-point line.

Facing the Liberty on opening night is a tough way to start, and the Sun were without Leila Lacan, who was one of their best players last season. Still, it was not an optimal start to their last-ever season in Connecticut.

#winners #losers #WNBA #opening #weekend

Post Comment